Here is part of what the CDC says regarding their recommendation TO USE a facemask. Entire statement is at the link below.
CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. See: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
I have not studied the article on influenza well enough to comment adequately. I do note the sentence in the discussion: “However, as with hand hygiene, face masks might be able to reduce the transmission of other infections and therefore have value in an influenza pandemic when healthcare resources are stretched.”
It is possible that flu and Covid-19 do not behave exactly alike in transmission risk. There no know harm in wearing a mask and since it might help the wearer and the people the wearer is in contact with, seems like a good idea until if and when proven otherwise. It is a courtesy, as well.
Marcia E. Herman-Giddens, PA, MPH, DrPH
Adjunct Professor, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC, Chapel Hill
Scientific Adviser, Tick-borne Infections Council of North Carolina, Inc.
1450 Russell Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Office 919.533.7343
Date: Wed, 13 May 2020 21:02:03 -0400
From: Marcia E Herman-Giddens
Subject: Face masks